ECS P4VXASD2+ motherboard w/ Intel Celeron 2.0 GHz Problem, please help!!

[Masteryuha]

I am trying to upgrade my dell dimension v400c w/ Intel celeron 400 MHz. I bought ECS P4VXASD2+ w/ Intel Celeron 2.0 GHz from Fry's and installed in the computer. When I tried to put the power cable, the power supply made a continuous high pitch noise and nothing happened. I cannot power up. What am I doing wrong? Please help...

 

[mechBgon]

Your Dell has a power connector which will fit into a standard motherboard, but the pinout is non-standard. At this point, either your PSU or your motherboard, or both, are probably toast. If you had drives plugged in, they might be gone too. Ditto for the CPU.

At this point, the safest route would be to buy a new system. Next safest would be to buy a new Dell-compatible power supply (this is the only aftermarket place I have to offer, $89 for the 275 Dell), and put your Dell motherboard back in along with your stock CPU (I'm hoping you haven't tried the Dell board with the fried power supply yet). If the drives work, back up your data and count yourself lucky.

Sorry to be the bearer of glad news... welcome to the Forums anyway.

 

[Masteryuha]

Thanks for the info. Actually, I put all the original parts back in and everything works fine. Should I get new power supply to see if my new motherboard and cpu is ok or not?

 

[Peter]

Either the power supply is way too weak (no surprise there), or you've shorted something out against the case.

 

[mechBgon]

That's a bit of good news, I was fearing the worst. Here's a little more info about Dell's interesting "alternate" PSU's: link and Dell's own acknowledgement.

MOTHERBOARDS AND POWER SUPPLIES
Background
* In the mid 90s the industry moved to a higher use of 3.3V motherboard components
* Dell engineers designed a connector that supported the increased use of 3.3V current which differed from the industry proposed designs that we deemed less than robust
* The decision to move to this new connector was based solely on the impact to quality and reliability of the system
* Additionally, Dell's motherboards have custom form factors to optimise for the best cooling solutions, emissions control, and for quick and easy serviceability

 

[Masteryuha]

Thanks for all the help. I am in the process of ordering a new case with the power supply. I saw a deal in the forum about Infinity Systems Plus, INC for $30 shipped free. The specs are:

Mid ATX 400Watt Case
Model # LT-A06
Dimension (DxWxH) 18 x 7.5 x 16"
Drive Bays 4 + 2 + 1
Motherboard Micro ATX, ATX up to 10.5X12.5 inches
Expansion Slots 7 Full Size
Switching Power Supply ATX 400Watt P4 Style Connection
Cooling Fan Front ONE & Rear ONE (Optional - Not Included)
Description Ideal for P3/P4, AMD systems *Total of 7 bays

Would this work?

 

[mechBgon]

Cheapie power supplies... I'd pass, no matter what wattage rating they stick on it. It's the foundation of the system.

If this case/PSU combo comes back in stock for that price, and you like its overall design/appearance (link to manufacturer, link to more photos) then you're getting a name-brand honest 350W PSU with a 3-year warranty, a 120mm exhaust fan AND a good case for the price of the PSU alone! I hope they come back in stock again soon.